Best Real-Time Strategy (RTS) engines of 2024

RTS (Real-Time Strategy) games can be developed using any game engine. The key is selecting the one that best suits your project needs. Each engine offers its own set of tools and features, but probably the real challenge lies in choosing the one that aligns with the specific requirements of your game

Enhancing RTS games with specialized engine tool

While RTS games can be developed using virtually any game engine, some developers opt for custom engine modifications to handle the specific challenges these games present.

For instance, FrostGiant Studios uses Unreal Engine for the graphical side of their RTS projects but relies on a custom C++ RTS plugin called SnowPlay to handle the genre technical demands. SnowPlay manages critical RTS features such as pathfinding and deterministic battle simulations for multiplayer , while Unreal focuses on delivering high-quality visuals.

Here is a list of best tools for developing real-time strategy (RTS) game

Unity

• Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Free version: Yes, with limited features
• Pricing: Free for personal use, Pro starts at $399/year

Key features:
Unity has become one of the most popular engines for developing a variety of game types, including RTS games. With Unity’s asset store, you can easily find assets like terrain, buildings, and character models to speed up development. Plus, its C# scripting is relatively easy to learn for developers.

• Pros:
  • Huge community support with lots of tutorials.
  • Flexible: can be used for 2D and 3D RTS games.
  • Cross-platform: publish your game on multiple platforms.
• Cons:
  • Requires third-party assets for more complex RTS features.
  • Might demand more coding expertise for advanced mechanics.

Unreal Engine 5

• Platform: Windows, Mac
• Free version: Yes, with royalties after a certain revenue threshold
• Pricing: Free to start, with 5% royalties after earning $1 million

Key features:
Unreal Engine 5 is known for its jaw-dropping visuals, and when it comes to RTS games, it doesn’t disappoint. The engine’s Blueprints system allows developers to create gameplay without much coding, making it more accessible for beginners.

• Pros:
  • Unmatched graphics quality.
  • Blueprint scripting makes it easier for non-programmers.
  • Handles complex simulations and large unit counts seamlessly.
• Cons:
  • Steeper learning curve compared to Unity.
  • Resource-heavy, requiring high-end hardware for development.

Godot

• Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Free version: Yes, fully free and open-source
• Pricing: Free

Key Features:
Godot has quickly gained popularity due to its open-source nature and zero cost. With a growing library of plugins and a supportive community, it’s becoming a solid choice for RTS game development. Its node-based architecture is highly flexible, making it easy to manage game elements like units, buildings, and resources. While it may not have the same graphical prowess as Unreal Engine, it’s highly optimized for real-time gameplay.

• Pros:
  • 100% free with no royalties or fees.
  • Light on system resources, ideal for indie developers.
  • Strong 2D and 3D game development tools.
• Cons:
  • Fewer advanced features compared to Unity and Unreal.
  • Smaller community, meaning fewer tutorials and resources.

Frostbite

• Platform: Windows
• Free version: No
• Pricing: Custom licensing, typically for large studios

Key features:
Frostbite is an industry powerhouse, used for AAA games like Battlefield. While it’s more common in first-person shooters, it’s also a great choice for RTS games that need to simulate large battlefields with destructible environments.

• Pros:
  • AAA-level performance and graphics.
  • Supports large-scale simulations and destructible environments.
• Cons:
  • Not accessible to indie developers.
  • Custom licensing is expensive and hard to obtain.

BuildBox

• Platform: Windows, Mac
• Free version: Yes, with limited features
• Pricing: Free, with Pro plans starting at $99/month

Key features:
BuildBox is designed for those who want to create games without touching a single line of code. It’s a great option for simple RTS games, especially for mobile platforms. While it’s not as robust as Unity or Unreal, it offers easy-to-use drag-and-drop functionality for designing game mechanics and levels.

• Pros:
  • No coding required.
  • Fast prototyping for mobile RTS games.
  • Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
• Cons:
  • Lacks advanced features for more complex RTS games.
  • Expensive Pro plans for additional features.

Our favorite pick: Unreal Engine 5

After evaluating the options, Unreal Engine 5 stands out as our top choice for RTS development. we reallly like the combination of jaw-dropping visuals and the ease of using Blueprints for game logic .And it’s ideal for developers aiming to create large-scale, visually stunning RTS games. From massive armies clashing on epic battlefields to realistic environments that feel alive, Unreal Engine 5 has everything for your real-time strategy games.